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Instant Pot Apple Sauce (With Slow Cooker Option) Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

This easy and delicious applesauce recipe can be made quickly in an Instant Pot or slowly in a slow cooker. Using fresh apples and natural ingredients, it’s a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought applesauce. Customize it by peeling the apples for a smoother texture or leaving the skins on for extra fiber. A touch of lemon juice enhances the flavor and helps preserve the color, while optional cinnamon adds warm spice notes.

  • Total Time: 16 minutes (Instant Pot) or 4 hours 10 minutes (Slow Cooker)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Apples

  • 3 lbs. apples, about 6 – 7 (fuji, gala, granny smith, honey crisp, delicious)

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 small lemon, juice of
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. You may peel the apples or leave the skins on depending on your preference. Core and quarter the apples, then cut the quarters in half.
  2. Instant Pot method: Place the prepared apples into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add lemon juice, water, and the optional cinnamon.
  3. Cook in Instant Pot: Secure the lid and ensure the vent is set to the ‘Sealed’ position. Select the ‘Pressure Cooker’ function and manually set the timer for 6 minutes.
  4. Natural release: After cooking, allow the steam to release naturally; this takes about 6 minutes. Carefully move the vent to ‘Open’ to release any remaining steam, then remove the lid.
  5. Cool and remove cinnamon: Let the applesauce cool slightly, then remove the cinnamon stick if used.
  6. Mash or puree: If you cooked the apples with skins on, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until you reach your desired consistency. If peeled, mash with a potato masher, fork, or slotted spoon for a chunkier applesauce.
  7. Slow cooker method: Place the prepared apples into the slow cooker. Add lemon juice, water, and optional cinnamon, then cover with the lid.
  8. Cook in slow cooker: Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours. Stir the applesauce once or twice during cooking for even heat distribution.
  9. Cool and remove cinnamon: After cooking, allow to cool a few minutes and remove the cinnamon stick if used.
  10. Mash or puree: Similar to the Instant Pot method, use an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce if skins were left on, or mash manually if peeled, to achieve your preferred texture.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of water depending on how thick you want your applesauce.
  • Using a variety of apples can add depth and balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Storing tips: Refrigerate the applesauce in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a sugar-free recipe, no additional sweeteners are necessary as the apples provide natural sweetness.
  • Optionally add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract for different flavor variations.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes (Instant Pot) or 4 hours (Slow Cooker)
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/instant-pot-apple-sauce-with-slow-cooker-option-recipe/